As of September 4, 2026, IRCC introduced a temporary public policy which allows certain work permit holders to study without a study permit for 6 months or less.
The special measures for temporary residence that were in effect until March 31, 2026, have now been extended. IRCC issued an announcement on April 1, 2026, that Ukrainian nationals or eligible family members of a Ukrainian that arrived in Canada on or before December 31, 2024, may be eligible to extend their open work permits.
As of April 1, 2026, a separate co-op work permit is no longer necessary. IRCC has announced that moving forward, co-op students may instead use the work authorizations included on their valid study permit to perform co-op work placements. IRCC will no longer be issuing co-op work permits. Instead, you can use your valid study permit, as long as it has a condition or remark which indicates you may perform on-campus work.
IRCC has announced that the special measures for Iranian temporary residents in Canada, which had expired on February 28, 2026, have now been extended to March 31, 2027. However, the criteria for the special measures have changed.
IRCC has announced a number of changes for international Grad students and launched a dedicated study permit page outlining these changes on November 6, 2025.
On April 24, 2023, IRCC announced new immigration measures to support Sudanese temporary residents who are currently in Canada and may be unable to return home due to the rapidly deteriorating situation in their country.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a statement on November 15, 2024, declaring that international students in Canada may now work up to 24 hours per week for off-campus employment. This is an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week. This change in policy is effective from November 15, 2024 onward.
As a result of the ongoing conflict between the Government of Israel and Hezbollah, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced temporary measures to support Lebanese nationals already in Canada who are currently unable to return home.
On September 18, 2024, IRCC announced several changes which will impact international students and workers in Canada.
As a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced temporary special measures to support nationals of Israel and Palestine already in Canada with a valid temporary status.